Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place where life exists.
Joan Schafle, E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP®
Not just any yogini, but I am an avid sports enthusiast, a true lover of the land and sea, a forever student, 3X cancer survivor, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother & mentor.
My yoga journey started out after my ovarian cancer bout, in 2004. The recovery was long, lonely & I lost who I was, but I survived!!!!
My journey
During my exploratory laparotomy surgery, I had 2 tumors, 20% cancer spread from the bottom of my aorta to my right groin. Long list of items removed, plus 26 periaortic, lumbar and pelvic lymph nodes dissected. Afterwards the lymphs became inflamed, swollen and painful. Thankfully, my daughter, Elizabeth urged me to study yoga for wellness, and I am so glad I did.
Little did I know, years later, I would have the privilege of becoming an instructor passionately committed to sharing yoga with others who, like me, tired of feeling less than vibrant.
I am not the most flexible yogi, but I am who I am & I am grateful & blessed to be alive.
My Training & Advanced Studies
Yoga, Las Postitas College with Roberta Wilson 2005-2007
Private training, Down Town Yoga Focused on Lymphatic Drainage and learned how to create Lymphatic Flows with Kate Coughlin 2006-2008
Partners Yoga w/my daughter, Namaste Yoga, 2006
Partners Yoga, Cosmic Dog 2008
Surya Namaskars Marina Yoga, Krabi Thailand, 2012
Fijian Kava Ceremonies, Navini Island, Solevu, Fiji Tribe, 2016
DownTownYoga, Iyengar Yoga Studies, Pleasanton, Ca, 2016-2019
Myofascial Release, Sagrada Wellness, 2018
Teacher Training: DowntownYoga by Kate & Jim Coughlin. Completed ½ of my first teacher training course (125 hours). Focusing on Iyengar Yoga, anatomy, alignment, usage of props to release & expand. 2018-2019
Teacher Training: Alanna Kaivalya, PHD (the Yoga Doctor) 240+ hour course. My 2nd yoga teacher training. Studied traditional Vinyasa, Anatomy & Postural Alignment, Sequencing and Pranayama. 02/2020 Graduated with a RYT200.
Extensive training on Lymph Flow Yoga for Lymphatic Drainage supporting the immune system to detox. 2020-current #lymphflowyoga (life long practice) Shout outs to others leading the way with education -> Kelly Strum | Oncologist & Lymphedema PT @cancerrehabpt; Leah Levitan | Lymph Literacy Advocate | @lymphloveclub ; LymphLoveClub.com; Also Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) & The Lymphatic Brush by @cecilybraden
Opened YOGA STUDIO - My OM TIME - offering private Lymph Flow Yoga instruction in Livermore, CA. #livermoreyoga February 2021
Yoga Instructor at Joya YOGA STUDIO Teaching Lymph Flow Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Vinysasna. #livermoreyoga #downtownlivermore #lymphflowyoga #Yogainstructor May 2021
Teacher Training: My Vinyasa Practice by Michelle Young, CIAYT 1,500/hr Yoga Therapist. #blessed. Completed a 300hr course to finish up my 500 hr certification in 08/2022, as well as obtaining my Anatomy, Adaptive Yoga, Trauma Informed, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra Certificates of completion. Now, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) with Yoga Alliance.
Paving the way! I purchased the web domain of LymphFlowYoga.com and officially and publicly focusing on Lymph Flow Yoga for health and well being! 02/2023 #lymphflowyoga
Experienced Yoga Teacher achieving the E-RYT200- RYT500: 04/2023 This credential signifies that I have completed my teacher trainings with a RYS, have 1,000+ hours of teaching experience and taught for two years post-training. #Milestone #lymphflowyoga
Yoga Alliance Continuing Eduction Provider YACEP. since 04/2023 Offering Continuing Education credits on Lymph Flow Yoga Workshops through Yoga Alliance.
Proud to announce: I have instructed over 1,500 hours of YOGA, focusing on Lymph Flow Yoga. #blessed #grateful #lymphflowyoga 02/2024
